The Cubs (56-53) continue to play excellent baseball, winning three of four from the Cincinnati Reds to move within 2.5 games of first place in the National League Central. They have a 14-6 record since the All-Star break with a suddenly explosive offense leading the way. Chicago will now face a very stiff test as the best team in baseball, the Atlanta Braves (69-37), come in for a three-game weekend series at Wrigley Field.
The Braves do everything well and have a double-digit lead in the National League East. Their 3.85 team ERA is the 7th best in the league and their bullpen ranks fourth with a 3.